1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Volvo C70
To start off, 1998 Volvo C70 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo C70 (236 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo C70 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volvo C70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Volvo C70 (340 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1998 Volvo C70 has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volvo C70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1998 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Elan | C70 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
